All-party resolution: in solidarity with forces in defending India’s unity

An all-party meeting called to discuss the Pulwama terror attack on a CRPF convoy killing 40 soldiers adopted a unanimous resolution to condemn terrorism and the support it is receiving from across the border.

The meeting, convened by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, was attended by Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma and Jyotiraditya Scindia of the Congress, Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Derek O’Brien of the Trinamool Congress, Sanjay Raut of the Shiv Sena, Jithendra Reddy of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi, D. Raja of the Communist Party of India, Farooq Abdullah of the National Conference, and Ram Vilas Paswan of the Lok Janshakti Party, among others.

Leaders of the opposition parties told Mr. Singh that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should convene another meeting with the leaders of the national and regional parties to discuss the future course of action.

"We condemn terrorism in all forms and the support being given to it from across the border. India has, during the past three decades, faced the menace of cross border terrorism. Of late, terrorism in India is being actively encouraged by the forces from across the border. India has showed both firmness and resilience in dealing with these challenges," read the resolution.

"The entire nation speaks in one voice to express it's determination to fight these challenges. Today, we stand united, in solidarity with our security forces in fighting terrorism, and in defending the unity and integrity of India," it added.

Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said the entire nation stands united, and pointed out that the Pulwama attack is the biggest casualty that armed forces have suffered since 1947, barring wars.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and NC leader Farooq Abdullah said that PM Modi should personally handle the sensitive situation and immediately take strong action.

Sanjay Raut said the government should learn from former PM Indira Gandhi's tenure to take immediate action against Pakistan.

D. Raja said concerns were also expressed about the safety of Kashmiri students and citizens settled in other parts of the country after Mr. Abdullah raised the issue of Kashmiris facing the ire of people in Jammu on Friday.

The Home Minister assured the meeting that the government will not allow social harmony to be affected and will take action, even if someone from the Bharatiya Janata Party was involved in any such act.